Past Modals
Reword the sentence using a past modal: I imagine you were delighted when you got the job.
You must have been delighted when you got the job.
The police have ___ power to search you without your permission.
The police have the power to search you without your permission.
I was very bor__ during the movie.
This chapter of the book is very bor___.
I was very bored during the movie.
This chapter of the book is very boring.
She forgot to bring her presentation notes to the meeting.
She dropped the ball.
They're too stubborn to tell each other. Anyone can see that they're in love.
They're too stubborn to tell each other. Obviously, they're in love.
Reword the sentence using a past modal: I think Carol went away last weekend, but I'm not sure.
Carol may have / might have / could have gone away last weekend, but I'm not sure.
I can't describe ____ happiness I felt when our son was born.
I can't describe the happiness I felt when our son was born.
After a long day of work, Sally was exhaust__.
Samuel felt very challeng__ by his new class.
After a long day of work, Sally was exhausted.
Samuel felt very challenged by his new class.
The choice is up to Asad now.
The ball is in his court.
In a perfect situation, I would start my family at 30.
Ideally, I would start my family at 30.
Reword the sentence using a past modal: It was foolish to get a joint bank account with your boyfriend.
You shouldn't have gotten a joint bank account with your boyfriend.
Wind power is ___ sustainable energy source.
Wind power is a sustainable energy source.
His book about his travels was very inspir__.
You look confus__. Can I help?
His book about his travels was very inspiring.
You look confused. Can I help?
They ordered fifty flower arrangements for a small party.
They went overboard.
Their company's idea was good. It's a shame that they can't find investors.
Their company's idea was good. Unfortunately, they can't find investors.
Reword the sentence using a past modal: Perhaps we bought too much food for the party.
We may have / might have / could have bought too much food for the party.
___ high school education begins at age 13-14 in Canada.
∅ High school education begins at age 13-14 in Canada.
This is a very demand__ time for students.
The coach's instructions were confus__.
This is a very demanding time for students.
The coach's instructions were confusing.
My sister never takes my side in family arguments.
My sister never goes to bat for me in family arguments.
Marie is excellent at math. It makes sense that her son is excellent at math too.
Marie is excellent at math. Naturally, her son is excellent at math too.
Reword the sentence using a past modal: It was a mistake to move in with your best friend.
You shouldn't have moved in with your best friend.
Do you have ___ experience working with children?
Do you have ∅ experience working with children?
Robert is interest__ in fantasy books.
Completing a project is very satisfying.
Robert is interested in fantasy books.
She is getting a head start on her essay tonight even though it's due next month.
He has the most experience. Certainly, he's the best candidate.